Weekly Photo Challenge: Grand
There are many grand things, events, and people that I have encountered in my life, but the day of hiking the Grand Canyon down and up with my Canadian friend several years ago stands out. It was awesome to be able to face that ancient and grand creation of nature and at the same time to feel our minuteness in contrast with that rocky giant. I took this photo on Silver Bridge over the Colorado River – at the bottom of the Canyon, facing the lengthy journey (9.5 miles = 15.3 km) up the Bright Angel Trail to reach the top before the inevitable arrival of darkness.
I wrote about that hike in my post Footprints Left Behind https://alicjamann.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/footprints-left-behind/
A similar feeling of awe and humbleness enveloped me last week when we faced the departure of Nelson Mandela – his strength, vision, perseverance, and political skills were not only grand, but super GRAND and will continue to inspire others for many years to come. I am happy to cherish memories of encountering that man during his visit to Boston in 1990 – soon after his release from prison. Even though I was a minute spot in the huge crowd of others who gathered at the Hatch Shell to honor Mandela, I will never forget that grand day.
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Text and photos copyright © 2013 by Alicja Mann
Explore posts in the same categories: Celebrations, Events, Feelings, Kudos, Memories, Photo essays, Photo stories, Photography, Places, ThoughtsTags: Arizona, Boston, Bright Angel trail, Colorado River, Grand Canyon, minuteness, Nelson Mandela, postaday, reflections, Silver Bridge, tribute
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Alicja Mann Waves 
December 12, 2013 at 1:35 PM
My heart is in my throat lookoing at the Grand Canyon crosing bridge. Yikes…heights scare me. You’re right about the GC.. If a visit there doesn’t inspire awe in someone, it probably means they don’t have a pulse. Keep up the blogs. Brightens every day when they arrive.
December 16, 2013 at 5:30 PM
As always – many thanks Mark!
December 13, 2013 at 9:01 PM
Thanks! I remember seeing that photo of the bridge. Every day I enjoy a different view of the Grand when I look at another of your photos in my kitchen.
The fact that so many of the world’s leaders safely traveled to pay tribute to Mandela gives us hope for the future.
December 16, 2013 at 5:49 PM
Thank you Pam – I feel always happy hearing from you!
We need more leaders like Mandela – passionate, visionary, dedicated, honest, and caring to inspire us and keep the flame of hope alive.
June 22, 2014 at 7:30 AM
Magnificent website. Lots of useful information here. Im sending it to some friends ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks for your sweat! gedbkckkekbc